Entrepreneurship. It’s like being in a constant fight—some days, you feel on top of the world, like you’ve cracked the code. Other days, it’s just survival mode. That’s the reality, and anyone who’s been at it long enough knows exactly what I’m talking about. Brian J. Esposito knows it too, probably better than most. What hit me in our conversation wasn’t the size of his empire (and it’s big), but the sheer number of times he’s been knocked down and still gotten back up.
See, entrepreneurship isn’t just about scaling a business—it’s about learning how to take a punch and keep moving. Brian has been through the wringer more times than he cares to count, but every hit came with a lesson. His journey is a masterclass in how to build something meaningful while staying true to your core values.
And if there’s one thing you take away from his story, it’s this: you can’t control everything, but you can control how you react.
You Can’t Clone Yourself: Build a Team That Complements You
Brian hit the nail on the head early in our conversation when he said something that’s stuck with me: “One of the biggest mistakes I made was trying to replicate myself in others. It doesn’t work like that.”
That one hit hard. I’ve been guilty of it too—thinking that if I could just find a few people to work the way I do, everything would run smoothly. But here’s the kicker: you can’t. Brian learned that the hard way. It’s not about creating a team of clones—it’s about finding people who complement what you bring to the table.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- You’re unique for a reason: Stop trying to find replicas of yourself. You’re not building a mirror, you’re building a machine with different working parts.
- Disappointment is inevitable if you expect others to think like you: Not everyone will hustle the same way. That doesn’t mean they don’t bring value.
- Focus on empowering your team: Rather than forcing them to think like you, give them the space to grow in their own way. It’s better to have a team that adds different strengths than one that just echoes your own.
The truth is, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting a team that “gets it” the way you do. But like Brian said, “There’s only one of me, and they broke the mold.” Instead of trying to mold others, focus on building a team that fills in the gaps.
Own Your Value: Don’t Just Build for Others—Get a Stake in the Game
This one’s a gut punch for any entrepreneur who’s ever watched someone else walk away with the big payday after you did all the heavy lifting. Brian’s been there. Early in his career, he launched beauty brands, built them up, and then watched as they got sold off for millions—and sometimes billions—while he saw none of that equity. He was too focused on the operational side and missed the bigger picture.
“I made a lot of people rich, but I wasn’t holding a piece of the equity,” he said, reflecting on that time. That’s a lesson many of us learn too late: if you’re building value, you deserve a seat at the table when the rewards are handed out.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Know your worth from day one: Don’t be so caught up in the work that you forget to protect your own interests.
- Equity is everything: If you’re part of building something great, don’t settle for just being the engine behind it. Make sure you’re tied to the long-term success.
- Profits over pipe dreams: Brian talks about how today’s entrepreneurs are chasing unsustainable valuations. Forget unicorns—focus on building a business that makes money.
Brian’s pivot came when he realized he was the one building the value, but others were walking away with the rewards. That’s when he decided to stop playing small and start making sure he had skin in the game. “If you’re gonna build something, make sure you have a piece of it,” he said. That’s advice we all need to remember, especially when you’re caught up in the grind.
Reflections from the Interview: Building with Empathy and Purpose
There’s a reason why Brian’s businesses have endured while others have burned out. He’s not just building companies—he’s building relationships. One thing he made clear is that empathy isn’t just a feel-good word; it’s a key ingredient to long-term success.
“I only work with people who align with my values. If you don’t have empathy, we’re not working together. It’s as simple as that.”
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Empathy is a business strategy: It’s not just about the bottom line. If you don’t care about people, you’ll end up surrounding yourself with the wrong crowd.
- Success comes from long-term relationships: It’s not about who’s cutting the biggest check right now. Brian’s success is built on decades-long relationships that started with trust, not transactions.
- Mental toughness is everything: Entrepreneurship is brutal. The key is to stay grounded and avoid getting sucked into comparisons. Like Brian said, “Stop looking at what others are doing—just focus on your own progress.”
- Celebrate the small wins: So many of us forget to celebrate the small victories because we’re too focused on the end goal. Brian’s advice? Take a step back and acknowledge how far you’ve come.
- Be careful who you let into your circle: One toxic person can bring down your entire operation. Brian learned this the hard way, and now he’s laser-focused on surrounding himself with the right people.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business—it’s about building a life. It’s about having control over your own destiny, surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, and making sure you’re compensated for the value you bring. Brian’s story isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from it and coming back stronger.
If you’re on this journey, remember: you don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need to stay true to your values, know your worth, and keep pushing forward even when it feels like the world is kicking you down.
CONNECT WITH BRIAN J. ESPOSITO:
Website:https://eie.rocks/